The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Hong Kong from February to April was 3.7%, and the underemployment rate fell to 1.5%.

On May 19th, the latest labor force statistics (temporary figures for the period from February to April 2026) released by the Hong Kong Census and Statistics Department showed that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate for February to April 2026 was 3.7%, the same as the January to March 2026 figure. The underemployment rate, however, decreased from 1.6% in January to March 2026 to 1.5% in February to April 2026. Compared to the January to March 2026 period, the unemployment rates in different industries (not seasonally adjusted) fluctuated in February to April 2026, with decreases mainly in the construction industry and increases mainly in the manufacturing industry. The underemployment rate decreased mainly in the foundation and superstructure construction sector, as well as in the food and beverage service activities sector. The total number of employed persons decreased from 3,655,700 in January to March 2026 to 3,648,000 in February to April 2026, a decrease of about 7,700 persons. The total labor force also decreased from 3,792,400 to 3,787,200 during the same period, representing a decrease of about 5,200 persons. The number of unemployed persons (not seasonally adjusted) increased from 136,600 in January to March 2026 to 139,200 in February to April 2026, an increase of about 2,600 persons. The number of underemployed persons decreased from 60,100 to 58,100 during the same period, a decrease of about 2,000 persons. Commenting on the latest unemployment figures, Secretary for Labour and Welfare of Hong Kong, Law Yuet Han, stated that the seasonally adjusted unemployment rate remained at 3.7% from February to April 2026, the same as the previous three-month period. Meanwhile, the underemployment rate decreased slightly by 0.1 percentage points to 1.5%. The labor force and total employment numbers also saw a slight decline during the same period. Looking ahead, Law Yuet Han mentioned that Hong Kong's robust economic growth should provide support to the overall labor market. The Hong Kong government will remain vigilant about potential impacts brought by escalating geopolitical risks and continue to closely monitor relevant developments.